What happens when wolves, coyotes, foxes and people share the same landscape?

News and Adventure from Glacier National Park

Grand Teton National Park posted this earlier today:

Every year, scientists conduct carefully reviewed research in Grand Teton National Park to help us better understand and protect this place. One of those projects is the ð‚ðšð§ð¢ð ð‚ð¨ðžð±ð¢ð¬ð­ðžð§ðœðž ðð«ð¨ð£ðžðœð­, which is studying how gray wolves, coyotes, and red foxes interact with each other and with humans across the park.

Here’s why it matters 👇
• Wolves were absent from the ecosystem for more than 70 years
• Coyotes became the dominant canid when wolves were absent
• Red foxes were less prominent in the park during this period

Since wolves returned to the region in the late 1990s, those relationships have shifted again. Using GPS collars, remote cameras, genetic analysis, and even anonymous cell phone data, researchers are tracking how these three species move, compete, use the landscape, and react to human presence.

Early findings show:
• Larger canids have larger home ranges
• All three species expand their ranges in winter
• Coyotes overlap with other canids more than foxes or wolves
• Human presence adds both risks and opportunities for wildlife

The Canid Coexistence Project—led by University of Wyoming researchers in partnership with park and Wyoming Game and Fish biologists—is in the middle of data collection. Supported by @grandtetonfoundation, this research helps park managers anticipate conflict, protect habitat, and sustain healthy wildlife populations as visitation continues to grow.

Science plays a key role in keeping Grand Teton wild, resilient, and thriving. ðŸ”️
Thanks to the researchers helping us understand what coexistence really looks like.

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Check out our online trail guides:

• Glacier National Park: HikinginGlacier.com

• Grand Teton National Park: TetonHikingTrails.com

• Rocky Mountain National Park: RockyMountainHikingTrails.com